Minto Country Music Wall of Fame - LORRAINE MCNEILL-KRALL

Lorraine was born in Minto to a well-known musical family. She began singing in the church choir and helping the Catholic Sisters with their drama plays that were held in Saint John where Lorraine got to perform on “Time for Juniors”. She stayed involved with the choir until age 17 when she traded music for marriage and motherhood. After moving to Alberta Lorraine again got involved in music and played in a trio with her brother Vernon and a cousin Barry Boudreau. They were popular at Legions, bars, and lounges throughout Alberta and B.C., and also played for the elderly and disabled.

Years later Lorraine moved home to Minto and along with her husband Dale formed a group with Bobby Daigle and Allen Gallant and began entertaining for benefits, local nursing homes, and dances. After two years, the band members changed to Fred Fulton and Vernon McNeill and they entertained War Veterans, Senior Citizen Dances, weddings and various events.

Lorraine has appeared on the Capital City Jamboree and received many loyal fans that follow her and her band wherever they play. She is well known for her bubbly personality and her love of life. She has donated many, many hours to help people that have lost their homes to fire, people with sick children, adults in need, and with any other good cause Lorraine can be counted on to help.

She has played many venues with several musicians including Howard Davidson, Curly Richard, Alden Simmons, Ronnie Day, Joey Knight, Shane Morehouse, Diane and Earl LeBlanc, Emile Cormier, John Clayden and of course several family members. Lorraine has a daughter, Laura Lee, a son in law, Peter Gaddess, and grandchildren Brittany and Matthew.

Lorraine and Dale live in Minto and have a group called “Hooked on Country” that includes Emile Cormier on lead guitar and Mary O’Hara on keyboards and they play throughout N.B. with a very loyal following. In August 2004, ATV recognized Lorraine and Dale as Maritimer’s of the Week.